Do you play with a shoulder rest?

[@Corrietheviolinist]

If you have any violin questions, ask on my latest practice video and I will answer them in the next day’s video! 🙌♥️

[@stale.baguette]

Me whose played for 11 years: interesting

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Whatever works for you!

[@MrLimo-ii8rp]

Damn I’ve only started violin a couple months ago and after restless weeks I’ve got vibrato!!! 🎉
Now I can tell my friends violin is easy piano is way harder

[@YellowJacket123]

lol, same!

[@TheFlyingSquirrel15]

“Now that you have your shoulder rest…”
I didn’t know the “3 second shipment” was an option.

[@aaronkim3856]

I play without a shoulder rest !!
It was not an easy transition after playing with a rest for 12 years. On my 3rd year now :)
I have the opposite opinion. I've encourage a few of my students to try without a shoulder rest! From my experience, it teaches students the proper balance between their thumb, fingers, and elbow.
I agree that it's tricky, it took me two years before I felt comfortable playing college repertoire in orchestra.
If you're a beginner though, you have all the room to grow though :) keep playing with what's comfortable for you!!

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Love this! This video was geared toward students in school orchestra or learning violin without an awesome teacher like you. So learning with a shoulder rest from the beginning without a teacher alleviates so so many technique issues I'm sure you've seen too.

[@aaronkim3856]

@@Corrietheviolinist i taught myself to play without a rest out of curiosity. i like to think that that's part of the reason why i like to have my students try. it taught me so much about violin technique that i didn't even think about, even after 12 years of playing. i want to explore this with as many violinists as possible to hopefully get them more curious about a topic that i see as taken for granted considering the history of how violin technique evolved in the baroque era.

[@paddlepower888]

I was a shoulder rest addict and was closed minded about going without one. I was forced to stop using it because of shoulder and neck pain.
Using a sling to keep the instrument from swinging to the right, and to keep it from sliding away from my neck, I learned in about three months to play comfortably without a shoulder rest.

[@Tadeo-ud7ty]

​@@paddlepower888 I was a shoulder rest

[@paddlepower888]

It takes 2-3 lb of pressure on the chin rest to level up the violin using a shoulder rest.
It takes a few weeks to learn how to play without a shoulder rest, but when you have done it, you know that you’ll never have to fret about a shoulder rest slipping off again and you’ll never have neck/shoulder pain from pressing your chin down. I got started by making a sling to keep my violin from swinging to the front and from slipping away from my neck.
I played for 20+ years with a shoulder rest. I’m free now.

[@niallchurch2679]

Good for you,now stop dictating to others about their preferences!

[@Corrietheviolinist]

So cool for you! I've never heard of a violin sling? This video was more geared towards people who haven't played for 20+ years like yourself.

[@coldairballoon1395]

He/she didn‘t dictate anything to anyone at all??

[@k_b7341]

Very good advice! Actually most of the best violin virtuosos play without shoulder rest.

[@Tadeo-ud7ty]

Thanks for your comment :) much appreciated Paddlepower

[@Sam-zt2ur]

You do not need a shoulder rest. The violin was not "specifically designed" to have a shoulder rest, in fact it was played without for almost 500 years without, in which time the greatest players ever to touch the instrument would do just fine. If you play violin without a shoulder rest properly, it should be no less comfortable than with one, and if taught incorrectly a shoulder rest can be incredibly damaging long term, regarding tension. Shoulder rests are convenient, but not necessarily better, and by no means essential.

[@picachugirl2036]

What? How on Earth could they be damaging?

[@Sam-zt2ur]

@@picachugirl2036 A shoulder rest promotes gripping the violin between the chin and the neck. by raising the shoulder to essentially lock the violin in one place will, over time, wear out the shoulder. However using a shoulder rest properly, by supporting the violin in the left hand rather than the shoulder, removes this tension. A violin should be played(more or less) with the posture of someone standing at ease. Neck muscles and shoulder muscles should not be contorted, and those who do pay the price in neck pain and other issues.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Thanks for your comment! This video was meant for my younger students starting in school orchestras and not pros or people more advanced.

[@ghhufgtyhj204]

shutup I didn't read it but I know it's annoying and u should appreciate this beauty

[@johankaruyan5536]

​​@@Sam-zt2ur i use a shoulder rest normally, intact when I donnt use it, it is what u said i raise my shoulder, because I by do not know hot to do vibrato or play comfortably at all without one, people in videos say just rest ur head on the violin chin rest, but when I do that the violin just falls down, so I can't play the violin without shoulder rest unless I raise my shoulder

[@savorymm9080]

been playing for 13 years never tried it lol

[@somebodyody]

The most important thing, shoulder rest or no, is to find a setup that is right for you and to be aware of tension creeping into the left shoulder. It can happen both with and without a shoulder rest. If using a shoulder rest, make sure it’s not so high the the violin hovers above your collarbone. If you have a long neck, higher chin rest may be a better option.
If not using a shoulder rest, learn to feel comfortable with the instrument moving more and work on your arm strength.
There are many great players in both camps. Although you will probably not find it difficult to notice some commonalities of the greats who go without (eg not particularly long-necked).

[@Corrietheviolinist]

THIS! Such great insight. Thank you for sharing.

[@extrajuicyfatcock]

I never knew shoulder rests were such a controversial topic. Wait 'til they hear about 5 stringed violins! This is a good tip and I feel sad reading the awfully mean comments. People can (and do) have different opinions and preferences.

[@charlesmontgomeryburns5736]

Some of the greatest violinists of all time play without a shoulder rest and the violin is supposed to rest on the collarbone.

[@somebodyody]

Should still rest on the collarbone even with shoulder rest. If it doesn’t, it’s not fitted correctly or shoulder/chin rest combo is not right for the person.
But yes, totally ignorant to speak as if it’s wrong to not use a shoulder rest. Everybody is different and should work together with a teacher or someone with experience to find the best set up for them.

[@daviddaza8149]

That’s right. There’s not a “correct” way of placing the instrument on the body, each body is different and there are a lot of playing styles that could work.

[@user-do5hd7zb4x]

Hi Corrie! 7 18 24 from c.e. usa. Enjoyed your Mon. Eve. Discussion. You answered all my questions, thank you! Was not expecting that. I spent 45 min this a.m. practicing the siren vibrato on 2nd and 3rd fingers. My violin sounds like my old teachers viola at A410hz. So now ive a pretty good idea he was tuned low back in the 1970s. Diapison normal.a 410 hz we were using gut back in those days woth G and D silver wound. Plain gut a, carbon steel pirastro E string. They were not big thick strings as Motzart recomended so maybe thAt is my error all along? Bye for now😅

[@yosemite1142]

My first two years of violin I played without one and i left rehearsal in pain everyday. Also my bridge was barely curved so playing was harder. I finally got one and playing feels more comfortable

[@Ruby-dy8lu]

Im a student in Orchestra and my class uses sponges except for me and my best friend. My orchestra teacher recommended a shoulder rest after she noticed how uncomfortable I was with a sponge, based of the length of my neck.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Yes same! I have a long neck too.

[@sikholiwehlahla3014]

Been playing for a decade and I cannot play without shoulder rest, some people prefer sponge over shoulder rest 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ which does not make sense to me cause should rest is way better than a sponge according to me.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Agreed

[@classyraju5439]

You are so pretty 💖

[@ccheriepie]

me who has mastered my position: very interesting

[@v6626]

I've had an Everest for the past couple of years and I feel like they're of the worst you can have. They're so stiff and you can only make certain adjustments so you mightn't even be able to get the positioning you want.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

So use something else? They're great when you're starting but then you have to figure out what works for you.

[@somebodyody]

⁠@@CorrietheviolinistOr better yet, if not aided by a teacher, do some online research to understand options that might be a better fit. Holding the violin in position and looking at the space you want to fill can be helpful. Even just a bit of sponge support or similar will be enough for some people and would save some money.
A bad setup can really ruin a student’s enjoyment of playing and lead to bad habits…so maybe less helpful to suggest that it’s not important if you’re just starting

[@nenussa]

I am a professional violinist and I play with a shoulder rest. Almost everyone I know plays with. Choosing to play without is possible but it's a huge adjustmet and it completely changes your left hand technique. If you play with it you should still try to not press too hard with your chin, idealy only whe shifting in order to get extra support. For my taste she holds the violin a bit too far out, you shouldn't have to turn your head as far. I know a lot of great violinists do, but it's not ideal when learning.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Love this! 👌

[@DigiScape903]

I feel like almost every violinist puts their violin from their hands in their playing position
With the neck of the violin in general you want to avoid touching the body because it damages the varnish overtime

[@Corrietheviolinist]

I’ve not noticed it to be a huge issue?

[@juliusdmello6199]

Thank You

[@Yestyn2084]

Yeah, no. You really seem to be speaking from a position of ignorance. The nice thing about modern violin playing is that there are many options for setup. Many historical and modern players play without a shoulder rest and there are now many variations of the typical shoulder rest that you are showing here. Everybody is different and needs a unique approach, the shoulder rest should not be a default.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Well, I'll let you decide if I'm speaking from a place of ignorance since I've been playing the violin for almost 30 years and been teaching for 17 years. Plus went to music school and toured professionally around the world.

[@Yestyn2084]

@@Corrietheviolinist Interesting that you've been playing for about 30 years since your approach seems about 30 to 40 years out of date.
The traditional Kun style SR seems to have become so popular because it provided a relatively easy way to set up the instrument for students. It's much easier than teaching them the nuances involved with properly playing without a SR, and it's also easier than working with each individual to find a solution which works for them.
But people are becoming more aware now of the differences in anatomy which necessitate a unique approach for everyone. There are so many options, so many chin rest designs and traditional shoulder rest alternatives which facilitate healthy playing for more people.
I'm not saying that people shouldn't use a shoulder rest but rather that there should be no default violin setup, because there is no default human form. So why stick to this old dogmatic style of teaching? My recommendation would be to do some research into the modern understanding of the physicality of violin playing so that you can better serve your students.

[@jervilopez1844]

@@Yestyn2084 Thank you!! The best reply ever!!

[@picachugirl2036]

​@@Yestyn2084 Fam hate to break it to ya. But youre observation that her methods may be outdated isnt because of her. Its industry standard, im in music college and im learning its very outdated. Also she recommended that rest cause she likes it, it looks decent. Its not out dated to give a recommendation. My favorite is actually a kun, but to each their own

[@picachugirl2036]

Ok my last comment disappeared it might be there so ima continue my argument. She isnt being "outdated" the whole business is, and that isnt her fault. If someone ever hopes to play professionally, they need to keep with the standard, as its really dang competitive. Additionally shoulder rests are 100% necessary. You cant play in 6th or higher positions without it, if you did youd risk dropping your instrument. A shoulder rest is a tool and it makes a huge difference, and i started playing without a shoulder rest for years. It made a world of difference in my quality of playing, because my form was improved. And shes just recommending the rest she likes, she isnt saying you have to get that one. I like kuns I will only ever use those

[@borredinho3184]

You don't need a shoulder rest to play violin, in fact I would say the opposite. Most people look uncomfortable with a shoulder rest even people that have been playing for years becuse it is so hard to adjust it correctly also it is really hard to find one that fits you specially when you are a beginner you tend to relly to much on it and you don't develop the right technique.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Oh, I would actually argue the opposite is true. In my 17 years of teaching experience, I've only seen students not using shoulder rests develop playing issues and are unable to do more advanced techniques.

[@SEABIRDSYMPHONY]

I am uncomfortable without a shoulder rest. So I personally think shoulder rest is needed...

[@jervilopez1844]

@@Corrietheviolinist tell that to Anne Sophie Mutter, Esther Abrahmi and Heifetz. What rubbed me the wrong way is that it sounded like a promotional plug.
It's a preference.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

@@jervilopez1844 nope, not promotional at all. Just trying to help young violinists learn the violin. Especially those without a teacher helping them.

[@jervilopez1844]

@@Corrietheviolinist but you make it sound like it AND you make it seem like shoulder rests are mandatory which are not and it depends on the player's preference and physiology.

[@Onrdshorts]

I don't play my violin with a shoulder rest it's too annoying and I can't place the violin down

[@ilikechoccymilk5605]

Good grief. People get really up in arms about shoulder rests. It's silly.
I use one but sometimes I practice without it. I prefer it because it holds up the violin, but I haven't quite figured out the most comfortable position so the metal of the chin rest doesn't rub my neck.
I think it's personal preference. Some professionals use them, some don't.
As long as it isn't hindering someone's progress it's fine.

[@Sovietstrategist]

I took a break from the violin thanks soooooo much
❤❤❤

[@tharinireddy7415]

A lot of people are saying they prefer no shoulder rest
My first violin teacher taught me without a shoulder rest
I was with her for about 2 years and didn’t learn anything
My next (current) teacher introduced me to a shoulder rest and it definitely makes playing much better
I don’t understand people who don’t like shoulder rests
I’ve been playing for about 8 years and I definitely can’t play as well without a shoulder rest

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Yup same! Not sure what everyone is on about...lol

[@innovbrain]

People i know who play the violin don't use it. But I do because I'm used to it and because I have quite thin narrow shoulders so once I put the violin on, my shoulder bone goes direct contact with the violin and feel immediate discomfort.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

I have some friends that don’t use them too. But I always recommend new violinists use them.

[@cliffsandifer3877]

Ive been using shoulder rest before internet existed

[@Corrietheviolinist]

😂

[@anugrahhembram3456]

Thank you it was really helpful ✨

[@picachugirl2036]

Bruh why so many people hating on her for recommending shoulderrests? A pro tip btw. Anyways any of you naysayers ever seen a professional without a shoulder rest? Ill wait....

[@Corrietheviolinist]

haha I'm sitting here waiting too. Most people are naming the same one or two people...cause most of them use a shoulder rest! lol

[@jervilopez1844]

Anne Sophie Mutter, Esther Abrahmi, Jascha Heifetz, Arabella Steinbacher and many others. Tobiah Murphy doesnt use one.
And guess what, most of the people I mentioned are world class soloists.
And oh, have you ever heard of I dont know, Baroque violinists? Who are also btw. professionals.

[@Mullewarp]

My Violin Teacher. Oh, he was not famous, only first violinist of an Orchester, so no need for a name. But I'm playing with shoulderrest, because i have a long neck. As other's have said, each body is different and what works for one person must not work for anyone else.

[@ameenagunbiade3394]

Wait what is she talking about. Every beginner that i know of you shoulder rests. The only ppl tht i know that dont are usually doing it to challenge themselves or after decades of adjustments. This is new to me

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Love that they’re all using shoulder rests!! 👏

[@jamesb120]

as a former pianist and brass player... cool
a the current owner of a plate & 4 screws in my neck... never gonna happen

[@ruikasasfixer]

i desperately need a shoulder rest but i sadly cant get one, i need one bc i cant hold my instrument properly at all but it doesnt hurt

[@bach7830]

Why can’t you get one?

[@shiromizuki7472]

Is buying high chin rest necessary if you have a long neck?

[@picachugirl2036]

Maybe try a heightened shoulder rest, try before you buy tho. Make sure its comfy

[@ananthepan2424]

It’s a preference 😭😭

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

As long as you're not using it as a crutch. You shouldn't be able to hold up the fiddle with just your chin and shoulder

[@kimberlinapelzerfan5623]

Ouch, I feel bad for the people without a shoulder rest! That is painful 😭

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Yes! Especially when you're learning!

[@veronikajugasova4332]

One day you will change your opinion, trust me

[@lukenguyen5321]

@@veronikajugasova4332 What

[@Gmod_gaming]

I wonder if the greats ever had that ?

[@Corrietheviolinist]

They did actually. You can watch the super old videos

[@saturn5541]

My violin is too small for me to play so it’s uncomfortable to wear and I can’t afford a new one

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Oh no! See if you can rent one!

[@gabriellapenfold4714]

What’s the maker of your violin? Mine looks EXACLTY the same as yours (with a different chin rest)

[@cindi7228]

I do not use one. Neither did all the greats. It’s bulky, gets in the way of freedom of movement. The instrument sounds better without one. It’s a crutch. Shoulder rest didn’t come into being until relatively late in the game anyway.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

I would say it’s more of a personal preference. 👍

[@_Saboop]

I learned this in a week man wtheck

[@bhagateducation3422]

Why all great players held violin at 45 degree

[@Mayorkayk]

Nice one

[@AK-os9mj]

Speaking of shoulder rest, was there any time when you tried to put your chin on chinrest, and it was a little painful?

[@henryhecking4026]

Get a Super Kun. Totally adjustable.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

💯

[@scharnhorstkaisarbeethoven]

Ohh god calm down everyone its just a shoulder rest not Russia and Ukraine

[@Marz0.]

My shoulder rest keeps falling off I don’t know what to do 😢

[@sara505sings]

Just say no to the shoulder rest. Miserable contraptions!

[@violintegral]

Sorry this is just bad advice, you don't need a shoulder rest to play the violin.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Hi you look like a really good young violinists. But also see you use a shoulder rest too! Have you ever tried teaching someone how to play the violin without a shoulder rest?

[@stale.baguette]

Yes you do. For 99.9999% of people it is a bad idea to play without one. They only cost like 10$ anyways

[@edytanto2640]

I wouldn’t say it’s a bad advice but you’re right that SR isn’t essential to play violin. SR frees your left hand but lock your shoulder and the violin, while no SR is the opposite
I agree with Corrie that SR is really beneficial for beginner if it’s setup CORRECTLY. A free left hand is really great and comfortable to start
Once the students have developed decent skill, then it’s personal choice whichever suit them
I used to play with SR but have ditched it completely. I feel A LOT better, comfortable and more fun without SR

[@niallchurch2679]

Say the guy giving bad advice!

[@user-pi2ri8lk1v]

Charlie Daniels didn't need no shoulder rest no one needs that on a fiddle

[@aia3668]

Hi! I hope someone sees this comment. I just bought my first violin online (I haven't received it yet; it'll probably arrived next week). I'm a self-taught guitarist, and I play ukulele too. My problem is I'm left handed. I play a regular guitar the other way around (I use left hand for plucking and strumming).
I know the chin rest won't work for me, but is it okay for me to get a regular shoulder rest or do I need to get a customized one? I'm not from the US or UK, and you can hardly find a luthier where I'm from so I don't know where I can buy stuff made specially for left-handed violinist. Help me pleassseeeeeee

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Hi! Violin is played the same exact way regardless of if you’re right handed or left handed. It’s always held on the left side. The chin rest will work for you! And just use a regular shoulder rest. (I actually think left-handers have a slight advantage because your dominant hand is the one with the biggest job!) good luck!

[@aia3668]

Great! I received the violin the other day, but unfortunately it came damaged, the sound post was displaced, and the bridge was broken. I had to return it and re-order a new one. Regardless, I'm really excited to learn the instrument. Thank you so much for replying 💖💖

[@Corrietheviolinist]

@@aia3668 oh no! That sucks that it's damaged. Hope the next one is beautiful!!

[@tambarys]

Never! I will not use it again, I'm too lazy to put it on the violin

[@Corrietheviolinist]

If you’re too lazy to put the shoulder rest on, I hope you’re not too lazy to make sure you’re playing with good posture. Pick your hard. Ya know?

[@NotMyActualName_]

You shouldn't ever need to hold a violin with your chin and shoulder. Your left hand should do most of the work with or without a shoulder rest.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

I don't totally agree with this statement.

[@SEABIRDSYMPHONY]

I have a Kun shoulder rest. And it's pretty inexpensive as well. It looks just like the Everest. But I've never been able to get my whole chin on my chin rest and I have the violin sit at the right angle and position.. SMH

[@picachugirl2036]

You may want to look into a different rest. There are so many! Some have length adjustment and height adjustment. Maybe you need a shorter one

[@gemoraly]

Pretty sure there is no such thing as a shoulder rest in my country

[@chlxe.slimes3376]

My double chin kept slipping he violin out...

[@Corrietheviolinist]

same! lol

[@picachugirl2036]

Nah kun shoulder rest forever

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Sameeeee!!! But sometimes Everest is cheaper which is why I was recommending it.

[@pauladellenback676]

Why are you talking so fast?

[@drgerni]

Should a shoulder rest be wooden so not to dappen the sound?

[@vylinhnguyen]

Just havae seen a masterclass and the professor said the total opposite

[@Corrietheviolinist]

I've had a lot of professors tell me not to use a shoulder rest too. Once you're more comfortable at violin, it comes down to personal preference.

[@aidangamez5031]

Cap Everest is trash in fact its one of the most heaviest shoulder rest

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Interesting POV. I haven't noticed them to be heavy at all...

[@C3invention]

Where is shoulder rest? Cant see ...

[@alexpokorny2934]

Ayo i am "Paganini " wannabe

[@arun.kahaduwaarachchi]

You don't really need shoulder rests. Only the lazy players need.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

Lol I guess me and all the other pros are lazy then!

[@paddlepower888]

I agree, Arun. After 20 years, I stopped using a shoulder rest and learned to play without. No shoulder rest means zero probability of shoulder/neck pain from using chin to hold the violin.
I only use a sling to keep the violin from swinging to the front and to keep it near my neck when I shift to first position.

[@niallchurch2679]

So Yehudi menhuin was lazy?

[@arun.kahaduwaarachchi]

@@niallchurch2679 Yehudi Menuhin didn't use shoulder rests!🙂

[@arun.kahaduwaarachchi]

@@Corrietheviolinist Are you....?🙂

[@Franz_Liszt_Korean]

Are you Britan?

[@MsCellobass]

Thats why im a cellist. My neck is too short to accommodate a violin with shoulder rest.

[@johankaruyan5536]

Go look at all the old but legendary violinists, they never had a shoulder rest, in fact having a long neck is kinda bad cus then u do need a shoulder rest lol

[@Sovietstrategist]

101 comment

[@opedreirodonordeste3]

more slow i m Brasílian and i AM learning English

[@rubyrose1861]

wrong. buy if a different one if you cant handle the sz and weight. women always trying to blame the toys\tools lol

[@rubyrose1861]

btw i tried to watch the video after commenting... i failed.. somebody take her instrument plz.

[@Corrietheviolinist]

My gosh go make your own videos if you don't like mine! Last I checked it's free to have an opinion of your own!

[@randellsmith7651]

If you needed it then, it would be built in. Is it? Do violins come like this? No, just ignore her

[@Corrietheviolinist]

lol Do you play with a shoulder rest or without one?